Thailand vs Sudan
Thailand has a population of 65.9M, compared to Sudan's 51.7M. Thailand is 1.3 times more populous than Sudan. Economically, Thailand ($526.5B) has a GDP 10.6 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 3.7 times larger than Thailand's 513,120 km². Life expectancy in Thailand stands at 76.4 years, 10.1 years higher than Sudan's 66.3 years.
ThailandSudan| Population | +27.5%65.9M | -21.6%51.7M |
| Area | -72.8%513,120 km² | +267.6%1,886,068 km² |
| GDP | +960.0%$526.5B | -90.6%$49.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | +646.1%$7,346.62 | -86.6%$984.608 |
| Life Expectancy | +15.2%76.4 yrs | -13.2%66.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -79.6%8.0 | +390.0%39.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 0.8% | — |
| Capital | Bangkok | Khartoum |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Thai | Arabic, English |
| Currencies | THB (฿) | SDG (ج.س) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Thailand is 1.3 times more populous than Sudan, with 65.9M residents compared to 51.7M. Thailand is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Thailand averages 128 people per km² (moderate), while Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Thailand is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Sudan is classified as a low-income economy. The Thailand economy ($526.5B) is 10.6 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Thailand's GDP per capita of $7,346.62 is 34% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Sudan's GDP per capita of $984.608 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Thailand are on average 7.5 times wealthier than those in Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Thailand is 76.4 years, compared to 66.3 years in Sudan, a gap of 10.1 years. Thailand (76.4 years) is 4.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Sudan (66.3 years) is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years. At 39.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Sudan's infant mortality is 390% higher than Thailand's 8.0.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 3.7 times larger by land area than Thailand (513,120 km²). Thailand shares borders with 4 countries, while Sudan borders 7 countries. Thailand spans 1 timezone, compared to Sudan's 1 timezone. Thailand lies in Asia, while Sudan is located in Africa. Thailand is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Sudan belongs to Africa (Northern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Thailand and Sudan is in GDP: Thailand's $526.5B compared to Sudan's $49.7B represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Thailand and Sudan is in GDP per capita: Thailand's $7,346.62 compared to Sudan's $984.608 represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Thailand and Sudan is in infant mortality: Thailand's 8.0 per 1,000 compared to Sudan's 39.2 per 1,000 represents a 80% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Thailand's upper-middle-income economy and Sudan's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Thailand has a GDP per capita of $7,346.62, which is 7.5x that of Sudan ($984.608). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Thailand is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Thailand is 4.7x more densely populated than Sudan (128 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Sudan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Thailand live an average of 10.1 years longer than those of Sudan (76.4 vs 66.3 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Thailand's economy grew at 2.5% compared to Sudan's -14.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Thailand has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Sudan's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Thailand vs Sudan for Families
For family travel, Thailand generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (8.0 vs 39.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Sudan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Thailand's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Thailand vs Sudan for Budget Travelers
Sudan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $984.608 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Sudan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Thailand. However, Thailand may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Thailand vs Sudan for Retirees
Thailand's life expectancy of 76.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Sudan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Thailand vs Sudan Cost of Living
Thailand's GDP per capita is 7.5x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Thailand, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Sudan can approach or exceed average costs in Thailand's smaller cities.
Thailand vs Sudan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Thailand and Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Thailand spans 1 timezone while Sudan covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Thailand or Sudan by population?
Thailand is larger by population, with 65.9M residents compared to Sudan's 51.7M. Thailand is 1.3 times more populous than Sudan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Thailand or Sudan?
Thailand has the higher GDP at $526.5B, compared to Sudan's $49.7B. Thailand's economy is 10.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Thailand and Sudan?
Thailand has a higher life expectancy at 76.4 years, compared to Sudan's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.1 years. Thailand's life expectancy is 4.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Sudan's is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Thailand or Sudan?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to Thailand's 513,120 km². Sudan is 3.7 times larger than Thailand.
What languages are spoken in Thailand and Sudan?
Thailand recognizes the following official language: Thai. Sudan recognizes: Arabic, English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Thailand or Sudan?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. Thailand's inflation rate is 1.4%.
Is Thailand or Sudan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Thailand generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (8.0 vs 39.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Sudan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is Thailand or Sudan cheaper to visit?
Sudan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $984.608 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Sudan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Thailand. However, Thailand may offer better value in ...
Is Thailand or Sudan better for retirement?
Thailand's life expectancy of 76.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Sudan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Thailand or Sudan more expensive to live in?
Thailand's GDP per capita is 7.5x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Thailand, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Thailand or Sudan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Thailand and Sudan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Thailand spans 1 timezone while Sudan covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...